Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have won the toss and opted to field in a high-stakes Test cricket showdown against South Africa at Queens Sports Club this morning as they fight to level the two-match series.
After a bruising 328-run defeat in the first Test, the Chevrons are under pressure to bounce back and avoid a humiliating series sweep on home soil.
Coach Dave Houghton’s men have rung the changes for this must-win encounter.
Prince Masvaure, who stepped in as a concussion replacement for Brian Bennett last week, has now been ruled out himself due to a respiratory tract infection. Bennett is still unavailable as he continues to recover from the concussion.
Dion Myers has been called up to the top order to plug the gap, while young pacer Kundai Matigimu has been handed a debut, replacing Vincent Masekesa.
South Africa, already 1–0 up and oozing confidence, have made three changes of their own.
Lesego Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen will make their Test debuts, while Senuran Muthusamy gets his chance following the injury to spin ace Keshav Maharaj.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder takes the captain’s armband in Maharaj’s absence, with Kwena Maphaka and Matthew Breetzke making way.
South Africa are looking to wrap up the series in style while Zimbabwe are banking on home conditions and a revamped line-up to spark a fightback.
Queens Sports Club, with its typically dry surface and slow turn, could offer the Chevrons some help if their bowlers settle quickly.
The big question: Can Zimbabwe claw their way back or will the Proteas prove too powerful once again?
Zimbabwe Playing XI:
Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Kundai Matigimu
South Africa Playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Codi Yusuf
All eyes now on the battle in Bulawayo. Can the Chevrons strike back?
